French law enforcement has arrested over a dozen individuals, including several minors, in connection with a series of crypto-related kidnapping cases that have recently shaken Paris.
According to local reports on May 26, the arrests are linked to two separate high-profile incidents targeting families of prominent crypto entrepreneurs.
Authorities are investigating whether the suspects are part of a wider criminal network that may be recruiting members through social media platforms. Charges filed include kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy, as reported by Le Parisien.
French authorities arrest over 12 suspects, including minors, linked to high-profile crypto kidnappings in Paris. Security measures for crypto entrepreneurs in France increased in response to these threats. #Crypto2025 #Bitcoin2025 #Blockchain #DeFi #CryptoNews #CryptoTrends…
— Chandrakumar Pillai (@CKPillai_AI_Pro) May 27, 2025
One of the incidents occurred on May 13, when three men allegedly attempted to abduct the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, co-founder and CEO of the French crypto exchange Paymium. The brazen daylight attempt was reportedly caught on video, showing Noizat’s daughter resisting the attackers with the help of nearby bystanders. No arrests have been made in that case yet, but investigations are ongoing.
In a separate case earlier this month, the father of a crypto marketing entrepreneur was kidnapped and held for ransom. Authorities believe the kidnappers demanded between 5 million and 7 million euros in cryptocurrency. Six individuals, including the suspected perpetrators, have been detained in connection with that case.
These incidents follow a similar attack earlier this year involving David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, a major crypto hardware wallet firm. Balland was kidnapped from his home, with his captors also demanding cryptocurrency. Police later rescued him.
In response to the growing threat, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has ordered heightened security for crypto industry figures and their families. Meanwhile, many executives have hired private security personnel to safeguard themselves against threats.
A GitHub page maintained by Jameson Lopp, a well-known cypherpunk and co-founder of the self-custody platform Casa, has recorded six crypto-related ransom cases in France in 2025, with half occurring in Paris.
As investigations continue, authorities warn crypto professionals and their loved ones to remain vigilant amid the rising wave of targeted criminal activity.
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